detection of Blastocystis hominis in faecal samples by three methods: Wet mount, culture and formalin-ether

Introduction: Blastocystis hominis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites in human and various animals which has a worldwide distribution and is often isolated from fecal samples in the parasitology laboratory. There is a dramatic increase in the frequency of Blastocystis hominis infection in association with diarrhea and distinct clinical symptoms, especially in AIDS patients. Practicing physicians and gastroenterologists usually have low awareness of the association of B. hominis with human disease. These infections are overlooked in clinical laboratories. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also considered it to be a pathogenic protozoan. Due to its high prevalence in different areas and clinical symptoms in patients, accurate and timely diagnosis of this parasite can help to community health .This study was 0Tstudied0T to 0Tdetection of0T Blastocystis hominis in stool samples by three methods: Wet mount, culture and formalin-ether. Materials and Methods: In this Laboratory study (In vitro), a total of 400 stool samples from Shahid Beheshti clinic were screened for Blastocystis hominis. Stool samples from three direct smear method, culture and formalin - ether were examined by Microscope. Data using Spss software on a computer (PC) register, and then calculated the sensitivity and specificity of each method. Results :Stool examination showed, Of the 400 samples, 56 samples were positive in culture method that had more sensitive than formalin-ether method with 47 positive cases and direct method with 31 positive cases. Conclusion : B. hominis is an anerobic protozoan parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans. The organism has four different distinct parasite forms-the cyst forms, the ameboid forms, the granular forms and the vacuolar forms. According to this study Culture method was more sensitive than direct methods and formalinether. Therefore, the use of appropriate diagnostic laboratory procedures in hospitals and medical centers can provide effective and accurate diagnosis that it will play an important role in the promotion of community health.

Keywords:

Blastocystis , culture , detection